Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and border closures imposed by Governments around the world have caused significant hurdles to crew changes, and either left hundreds of thousands of seafarers stranded onboard ships, or unable to join ships. It is currently estimated that at least 200,000 seafarers worldwide are stranded on ships and require immediate repatriation, and a similar number urgently need to join ships to replace them. This has led to a growing humanitarian crisis, in addition to concerns that seafarer fatigue and mental health issues may lead to serious maritime accidents. There are also concerns about the continuity of the global supply chain.
However, despite the challenges, Essar Shipping realised the importance of crew change, and has been one of the very few companies who overcame odds to successfully and safely implement the crew change process on board its fleet. Even though the process came at an increased cost due to compliance_new and facilitation, Essar Shipping went ahead to get the necessary formalities done for its ‘key workers’. The company undertook the crew change activity in its 10 ships, and safely organised 98 Indian seafarers to sign on, while assisting the 101 on-board to disembark from ships at various ports.
Conducting this essential process has been a key challenge since March 2020 as various restrictions are imposed by government authorities, and there are limitations related to cross border travel and port regulations across the globe. Additionally, lack of airline connectivity, quarantine requirements & facilities, and medical formalities; have made it difficult to facilitate crew change & their repatriation.
In a recent discussion held on the World Ocean’s day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), an urgent and coordinated action was called for to seafarers trapped on-board ships around the world because of measures to contain the COVID-19 virus.
Essar Shipping is humbled to have contributed in its own small way towards achieving the mammoth target set by the ILO. We remain committed to the safety of our sailors!